We value the feedback of our patients, service users and carers.
Mental health psychiatric and wider mental health related services across the six Health and Care Social Partnerships across NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde are further developing our approach to engaging openly and effectively with people who need to access care. This includes redesigning services and changing how staff and services work with people who access care. Examples of current engagement and involvement are described below.
We have previously asked people who access services, carers and family members about what matters to them the most when they need to use the services we provide. We intend to build on previous and informal work already undertaken. In summary, people who use mental health services told us what matters is that staff and services:
Take time with them and listen to them
Take care of people, look after them and make sure they get the right treatment when they need it
Explain all they need to know and involve them in decision making
Are knowledgeable, safe and can be trusted
Show they care, are compassionate and show empathy
Are friendly, kind, competent and staff are professional
Communicate with the people who matter to them regarding their progress and condition
Provide good continuity of care and well-managed frequent service delivery in relation to their needs, at the right time and at the right intensity
Offer assertive community treatment and respond more adequately to people’s diverse social, psychological and biological needs as opposed to being hospitalised
Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow are an independent and user-led key organisation. Their support has led to very well-developed engagement structures across the NHSGGC area for people who are receiving mental health treatment and support. This engagement takes place across the breadth of the mental health treatment journey from inpatient settings to community services and includes development of strategy. In their own words:
” Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow is a Glasgow charity working with individuals and their carers living with mental health challenges. Our mission is to provide accessible, compassionate support that empowers people to take control of their mental well-being and lead fulfilling lives. To our members we offer a safe place that people can meet up with others who have their own lived experience of mental health challenges.
In our groups we offer peer support, wellbeing sessions and workshops designed to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. With a strong focus on the voice of lived experience. Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow is committed to mental health education, striving to influence policy changes that promote better mental health services across the country.
We believe in building a community where no one feels alone in their mental health journey, and everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. “
Their work with NHSGGC mental health services includes:
Conversation sessions across inpatient wards with service users and carers
SPSP (Scottish Patient Safety Programme) and Royal College of Psychiatrists Accreditation work to engage with the most vulnerable and unwell people using hospital services and give them a chance to feedback on the service they receive, with a particular focus on their safety.
‘15 Step Challenge’ visits, which use mystery shopping approaches to help understand what service users and carers experience when they first arrive in a healthcare setting, and provide feedback to services.
Community and unscheduled care – Collecting / collating postcard feedback, completing questionnaires with service users, and organising and participating in reference groups.
Strategy and services development – including the mental health strategy programme board, physical health care for mental health service users, and service reviews.
Borderline Personality Disorder Dialogues
One reference group facilitated through the Mental Health Network is the BPD Dialogues Group. This is a group of people who have a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (also known as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder) and living experience of using NHSGGC services. The group’s purpose is to contribute to planning better services for people with a BPD diagnosis. The name of the group was chosen by its members to represent the fact that there are different views about diagnosis and many aspects of care, and that this group aims to respect and represent all views.
Other information on current and ongoing mental health services engagement can be found in the Getting Involved section of the website.
The NHSGGC Mental Health Strategy 2023-28 proposes a system of stepped/matched care, with people entering at the right level of intensity of treatment and allowing for movement through different levels of care. It aims to:
Shift the balance of care into the community and better meet the needs of the patients, as more people access care through expanded community-based services.
Deliver prevention and early intervention, including mental wellbeing and suicide prevention training for all staff, expanding computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT) services and supporting Wellbeing in primary care.
Develop the focus on Recovery across community teams and inpatient settings.
Improve the effectiveness of community services; including developing group based Psychological Therapies, offering Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) which gives people control over return appointments, such as when symptoms or circumstances change, reducing appointments of low clinical value.
Develop Unscheduled Care; Mental Health Assessment Units diverting people with Mental Health problems who do not require physical / medical treatment from Emergency Departments, community mental health acute care services offering intense support as an alternative to hospital admission and commissioned services to provide help to people in distress where a non-clinical response is more appropriate.
The ongoing and proposed range of community developments represents new ways of working across primary, secondary and community services. They will improve care across the whole spectrum of mental health problems, but importantly and mainly for those with the most severe and complex mental disorder.
The NHSGGC strategy contributes to the delivery of the Scottish Government’s 2023 Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
Before making a referral, you may find it helpful to review the GGC Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Pathways Flowchart which has information on the different services available to support women and families in the perinatal period. Click the image below to view full size version.
We know that it can sometimes be difficult for referrers to know which service to refer to. You can also phone us if you’d like to discuss a possible referral.
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) / Royal Hospital for Children (RHC)
The NHS GGC Perinatal Mental Health Guide has information on organisations and resources across Greater Glasgow and Clyde that provide mental health support to new and expectant parents and their families.
Perinatal Mental Health Network Scotland – Provides information about the different specialist perinatal and infant mental health services available in Scotland
Baby Loss and Bereavement
Child Bereavement UK – Supports children, young people, parents, and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies
Bliss – Provides information and supports for parents of premature and sick babies. Helpline: 0808 801 0322
Solihull Approach to Parenting – Offers free online antenatal and postnatal courses with specific modules on ‘Understanding your preterm or sick baby in hospital’ and ‘Understanding your preterm or sick baby now you’re home’. To access any of these materials for free, enter code: TARTAN
Dads Rock – Provides family support for Dads and male carers across Scotland
Online Courses
SilverCloud Online Programmes – Provides a range of CBT courses that can help with a range of different problems. There is a specific course for pregnancy and the first year after birth (perinatal) which helps new and expectant parents to cope with feelings of low mood and anxiety, and improves wellbeing. Please speak with your GP who can refer you to this course if you think it would be helpful.
Solihull Approach to Parenting – Offers free online antenatal and postnatal courses with specific modules on understanding: Pregnancy, Labour, Birth and Your Baby. To access any of these materials for free, enter code: TARTAN
The Maternity and Neonatal Psychological Interventions (MNPI) Team are a small, hospital-based service. We offer assessments and interventions to families who are experiencing psychological difficulties in relation to complex pregnancy and/or birth.
While pregnancy and birth can be a time of great joy, it can also be a time of significant stress and emotional adjustment. A number of factors may impact on a parent’s emotional well-being over the course of their pregnancy and postnatal journey. These may include:
Medical complications related to the current pregnancy and/or birth
Previous difficulties or complications related to pregnancy, birth and neonatal care that impact on maternity care during the next pregnancy
Phobias, such as needle or birth phobia (tokophobia)
Traumatic birth
Baby being admitted to Special Care or Neonatal Intensive Care
We are able to see people in pregnancy and/or up to 12 months after birth on an inpatient and/or outpatient basis. The MNPI team works Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm. We liaise closely with the maternity and neonatal teams as needed.
There are a variety of different health professionals who can refer you to the MNPI service if appropriate. For example:
Hospital doctor
Midwife
Neonatal Staff
GP
Health Visitor
Family Nurse
Other mental health services
The MNPI Service is not a crisis or emergency service. If you’re concerned about your physical or mental health, please speak to your Midwife, Health Visitor, GP, or contact NHS24 on 111.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this something I have to do?
Absolutely not. It’s completely your choice if you would like to be referred to the MNPI Service.
What will happen when I’m referred?
We discuss all referrals at our weekly referrals meeting to help us decide if we’re the right service to support you. Sometimes we’ll also speak with your referrer or other relevant services to work out how best to support you.
If MNPI is the most appropriate service for you, then we’ll send you a letter asking you to make contact with us if you would like to arrange an appointment. Once you’ve contacted us, we’ll send you an appointment letter and a short questionnaire. Please bring the completed questionnaire with you to your first appointment.
If MNPI is not the most appropriate service for you, then we’ll send you a letter signposting you to the most appropriate services/supports. We’ll also send a letter to your referrer and any other relevant services (usually your GP and maternity team) so that everyone is aware of what we’ve advised.
What will happen at my first appointment?
The first appointment will take around 45 minutes. The clinician will ask you about what you’re finding difficult and some background information. Then they will make a plan with you about what will be helpful going forwards. As a hospital-based service, we can support you in different ways depending on your needs and maternity/neonatal experiences. For instance, we can provide psychological therapy for difficulties related to complex pregnancy and/or birth, specialist support around birth planning and/or being in a hospital setting, and liaison with maternity and neonatal staff to best support your care. We may also discuss other NHS or Third Sector support services with you.
Who will I see?
We’re a multidisciplinary team of Clinical Psychologists and Specialist Midwives. The MNPI team are specially trained to help you manage the wide range of emotions you may be experiencing relating to your maternity and/or neonatal care. You’ll receive input from the clinician(s) most suited to your needs. You’ll see the same clinician for each appointment whenever possible for continuity of care.
Where will my appointments be?
You have a choice in the type of appointment you have. We offer outpatient appointments in clinic rooms at the three maternity hospitals. We also offer video or telephone appointments. Your appointment letter will provide instructions on how to attend your appointment.
For parents/carers of babies in the Neonatal Unit we offer appointments in the Neonatal Units themselves. We’re also able to offer inpatient maternity appointments.
We ask that you give us as much notice as possible if you need to rearrange or cancel your appointment. This allows us to make best use of our clinical time. To cancel or rearrange your appointment please call us.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter or require any specific support to attend your appointment.
Can I bring someone with me to the appointment?
Yes. You can be seen individually or with your partner or other family members, depending on what you prefer.
Confidentiality and consent
Everything that you talk about in your appointment is confidential within health.
Clinical notes will be stored securely on an electronic record. These records should only be accessed by people who are directly involved in your care and have a clinical reason to look at them. Once you’ve been seen, we’ll usually write back to the person who referred you as well as your GP and maternity team.
Occasionally there may be serious concerns for your safety or for the safety of others. In these circumstances we have a duty of care to discuss relevant information with other agencies, who can offer help, support and protection. We would always try to let you know if we needed to do this.
Complaints, compliments & feedback
Your experience of the MNPI service is very important to us. We really want to hear when we’re providing a helpful service and also when we need to improve things. If you would like to contact us regarding Compliments, Complaints or Feedback, then please contact us on 0141 232 4333.
You can also tell us about your experience of the service through:
Completing the feedback questionnaire routinely provided at final appointments
Leaving feedback via https://www.careopinion.org.uk/tellyourstory
What are MNPI teams? How can they help me and my family?
Please contact the service directly, if you any have specific training requirements or requests.
Which Way has been designed to encourage learners to discuss and think more carefully about risk, risk taking behaviours and the decisions they make around them. Through the activities and discussion, learners will consider the factors that influence their decision-making, think about the impact their choices may have and identify where and who they can go to for support for example Glasgow City Youth Health Service. Activities should encourage discussion, peer support and critical thinking.
Introduction
Participating in risk taking behaviours is natural and essential for child and youth development. For most this will be low risk, but for a small number of young people, adolescence can cause harm and impact wellbeing.
Risk behaviours are usually considered individually. It is widely recognised that behaviours often interact and develop as a response to life circumstances. Many risk behaviours tend to cluster together, particularly in young people from the most socio-economically deprived backgrounds. Those young people engaged in multiple risk behaviours are therefore impacted by greater inequalities in health and wellbeing and this poses increasing concern for those who are more vulnerable.
A number of factors have been identified that can protect children and young people or, alternatively, can put them at risk during this stage. These factors relate to different personal and environmental factors, for example personal assets, the community, school, family, peer groups and individual characteristics.
The Which Way curricular pack was originally developed by Glasgow Council on Alcohol (commissioned by Glasgow City HSCP Health Improvement) in 2017. The Which Way curricular resource has been reviewed and updated by the Glasgow City HSCP Health Improvement team in 2023/24 to reflect up to date data, guidance and policy.
Using the Which Way Curricular Resource
The Which Way curricular resource is made up of ten sessions which each detail a lesson plan and activities. These lessons plans should be used alongside the Resources and Handout document to complete activities. The Glasgow City HWB Education website provides background knowledge and information for educators to carry out these sessions and makes links to other health topics (such as mental health, sexual health etc.). Educators should refer to the Multiple Risk page of the HWB website (linked below) where the information aims to build educators knowledge and confidence in facilitating discussions with young people on multiple risk.
Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Health Improvement staff have created this HWB Website for all Education staff in Glasgow City. This provides Health Improvement an opportunity to streamline communication, share quality assured resources and create a consistent health and wellbeing offer across the City. It also provides Education staff with an enhanced experience when delivering various aspects of the Curriculum.
At the beginning of each session, educators should discuss safeguarding, confidentiality and respect with learners this discussion may influence a class/group agreement that will support learning and delivery of lessons. Activities can be completed using a smart board/whiteboard or alternatively using flip chart paper and pens.
This resource should be used alongside other quality health and wellbeing curricular resources, all of Health Improvement’s quality assured curricular resources can be found on the Glasgow City HWB Education Website under each topic area. Each learner will have their own experiences and varied understanding of the topics included within Which Way and some of the lessons and activities may be emotive for young people therefore should be approached sensitively. It’s important to provide a safe space for young people to explore emotions that have been brought up. The NHSGGC Healthy Minds resource can be used to facilitate discussions around mental health with children and young people and covers a range topics (e.g. Emotional Literacy).
Young people engaging in multiple risk behaviours that are impacting on their health and wellbeing can seek support from the Glasgow City Youth Health Service which offers confidential, personalised support for young people aged 12-19 years in Glasgow City. Young people can be referred to the Youth Health Service by a Parent, Carer or Professional. Please note there are other services and support organisations available across Glasgow City that offer support to children, young people and families, find more information via Useful Contacts.
Which Way Resource – Primary 7 (P7)
Which Way – Primary 7 (P7) includes four lesson plan documents and one document containing worksheets to support activities within the lesson plans. To support delivery of these lessons and activities, we encourage educators to review the information on Multiple Risk included on the HWB Website.
Which Way – Secondary 2 (S2) includes six lesson plan documents and one document containing worksheets to support activities within the lesson plans. To support delivery of these lessons and activities, we encourage educators to review the information on Multiple Risk included on the HWB Website.
Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Health Improvement staff have created the HWB Website for all Education staff working in Glasgow City. This provides Health Improvement an opportunity to streamline communication, share quality assured resources and create a consistent health and wellbeing offer across the City. It also provides Education staff with an enhanced experience when delivering various aspects of the Curriculum, joining the dots between topic areas and relevant resources and training. The website hosts quality assured information and resources on priority health topics for early years, primary and secondary aged children and young people and is updated every 6 months. The HWB website includes:
Health Improvement Training Calendar (no cost attached) – Health Improvement courses are no longer featured on CPD manager and should now be booked via the HWB Website.
Quality assured curricular resources
Non-curricular resources and publications relevant to priority health topics
Information on health priorities for children and young people in Glasgow
Information on services and support for children and young people
Sign up to the HWB Mailing List to receive updates from the Glasgow City HSCP Health Improvement Team on any information, resources or training for education staff. Click here to sign up.
The following Experiences and Outcomes can be met by completing Sessions 1-6 of the Which Way Multiple Risk Curricular Resource – Secondary 2.
Health and Wellbeing – Mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing:
HWB3-01a I am aware of and able to express my feelings and am developing the ability to talk about them.
HWB 3-02a I know that we all experience a variety of thoughts and emotions that affect how we feel and behave, and I am learning ways of managing them.
HWB 3-03a I understand that there are people I can talk to and that there are a number of ways in which I can gain access to practical and emotional support to help me and others in a range of circumstances.
HWB 3-06a I understand the importance of mental health & wellbeing and that this can be fostered and strengthened through personal coping skills and positive relationships. I know that it is not always possible to enjoy good mental health and that if this happens there is support available.
HWB 3-09a As I explore the rights to which I and others are entitled. I am able to exercise these rights appropriately and accept the responsibilities that go with them. I show respect for the rights of others.
HWB 3-12a Representing my class, school and/or wider community encourages my self-worth and confidence and allows me to contribute to and participate in society.
HWB 3-16a I am learning to assess and manage risk, to protect myself and others, and to reduce the potential for harm when possible.
Health and Wellbeing – Substance misuse:
HWB 3-38a I understand the effect that a range of substances including tobacco and alcohol can have on the body
HWB 3-39a I know that popular culture, the media and peer groups as well as my own attitudes and values can influence how I feel about substance use and recognise the impact this may have on my actions
HWB 3-40a I know that alcohol and drugs can affect people’s ability to make decisions.
HWB 3-41a After assessing options and the consequences of my decisions, I can identify safe and unsafe behaviours and actions.
HWB 3-42a I know the action I should take in the management of incidents and emergencies related to substance misuse.
HWB 3-43a I understand the impact that ongoing misuse of substances can have on a person’s health, future life choices and options.
Health and Wellbeing – Relationships, sexual health and parenthood:
HWB 3-44a I understand the importance of being cared for and caring for others in relationships and can explain why.
HWB 3-44b I understand and can demonstrate the qualities and skills required to sustain different types of relationships.
Literacy and English – Listening and talking:
LIT 3-02a When I engage with others, I can make a relevant contribution, encourage others to contribute and acknowledge that they have the right to hold a different opinion. I can respond in ways appropriate to my role and use contributions to reflect on, clarify or adapt thinking.
Literacy and English – Writing
LIT 3-26a By considering the type of text I am creating, I can independently select ideas and relevant information for different purposes and organise essential information or ideas and any supporting detail in a logical order. I can use suitable vocabulary to communicate effectively with my audience.
Expressive arts – Drama
EXA 3-12a I can create, develop and sustain a realistic or stylised character through the use of voice, movement and language.
Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA)
The information included in this pack has been developed based on current guidance and policy for health and wellbeing of primary school aged children in Glasgow (see Multiple Risk Strategy/Policy Links). However, we recognise that children, classrooms and schools will all have varying needs for learners and adaptations may have to be considered to meet needs. Each session includes links to useful websites which may offer further learning or information to expand on the activities/topics covered or to adapt activities to suit the needs of the learners in the classroom.
Glasgow City HSCP Health Improvement have carried out an Equalities Impact Assessment on this curricular pack and have made the following considerations in relation to protected characteristics:
Age: P7 and S7 age groups are at higher risk of early initiation of risky behaviours and so this resource has been targeted at these stages as an early intervention approach. However, we do recognise that learners may experience this at different ages and stages for a number of reasons and this should be taken into consideration by educators and adapted appropriately.
Disability: suggestions and amendments have been made throughout the Which Way resource to support the inclusion of learners with a disability in activities as much as possible. This includes consideration of learners who are neurodiverse.
Gender reassignment: In order to reduce stigma, the curricular pack has used gender neutral names and pronouns throughout the activities.
Marriage and civil partnership: this characteristic is not identified or explored within the pack.
Pregnancy and maternity: Which Way makes links to additional quality assured learning and curricular resources (e.g. RSHP) covering topics of sexual health – which can be used as appropriate to support further learning and development around pregnancy and maternity.
Race: Which Way recognises the influence race may have on learners knowledge, experience and understanding of multiple risk. Educators are encouraged to consider how this might influence at-home learning and to be mindful of the varying experiences within the classroom.
Religion and belief: Which Way recognises the influence religion and belief may have on learners knowledge, experience and understanding of multiple risk. Educators are encouraged to consider how this might influence at-home learning and to be mindful of the varying experiences within the classroom.
Sex: this characteristic is not identified or explored within the pack.
Sexual orientation: Which Way encourages educators to explore further learning around relationships, sexual health and parenthood using the RSHP curricular resource.
Socio – Economic Status & Social Class: Which Way recognises that socio-economic status and social class influences learners engagement in multiple risk behaviours. Which Way offers a universal approach to education around multiple risk but can be used alongside targeted approaches i.e. CRAFFT
Other marginalised groups: Which Way recognises the impact multiple risk education may have on other marginalised groups (e.g. learners experiencing addiction at home, young carers, looked after and accommodated children) and educators are encouraged to be mindful of the experiences and circumstances for learners taking part in lessons and activities.
You can find out about the Equality Act (2010) by clicking here and view the Which Way Equality Impact Assessment by clicking here.
For lots of families, choosing to birth their baby at home comes with a wide range of benefits and can be the safest place to give birth. There are also circumstances, where birthing within the hospital is advisable due to additional risk factors affecting you, your pregnancy or your baby. You can speak to your community Midwife, Consultant or contact the Homebirth team for more information to enable you to make an informed choice.
We provide one to one care throughout your pregnancy; we have several clinics across the city, allowing you to choose which one suits you best. The schedule of care is the same as community midwives, we do however attend your home for one Antenatal visit when you are approximately 32 weeks pregnant.
Birthing equipment including Entonox (Gas and Air) is delivered to your home by our transport team when you are about 36 to 37 weeks pregnant. We provide an on call service from 38 weeks of pregnancy.
Postnatally the team look after you at home and provide care until handover to your Health Visitor. The team also complete the detailed examination of your new baby in the comfort of your own home.
